When a loose brick stack reaches a height of 4 feet, it shall be tapered back by how many inches per foot of height above the 4 foot level?

When a loose brick stack reaches a height of 4 feet, it shall be tapered back by how many inches per foot of height above the 4 foot level?

• A. 2 inches per foot
• B. 1 inch per foot
• C. 3 inches per foot
• D. 4 inches per foot

Answer: (A)

Stability of a loose brick stack changes as it gets taller. Once you rise above four feet, the stack becomes more top‑heavy, increasing the risk of tipping or bricks falling. To maintain a safe balance, the top portion of the stack is stepped back by a fixed amount for each extra foot of height. The standard rule is two inches of taper per extra foot above the four‑foot level. This keeps the center of gravity closer to the base and reduces tipping risk.

For example, if the stack reaches six feet, that’s two feet above four feet, so you taper back by four inches total (2 inches per foot × 2 feet). Rates like one inch per foot would not offset the leverage enough, while three or four inches per foot would be more aggressive than typically required and harder to manage in practice.